Gangster's Paradise: Jerusalema - A South African Crime Saga
If you are looking for a thrilling and gritty crime film that explores the dark side of post-apartheid South Africa, you might want to check out Gangster's Paradise: Jerusalema. This 2008 movie, written and directed by Ralph Ziman, tells the story of Lucky Kunene, a young man who rises from a petty thief in Soweto to a powerful crime lord in Johannesburg. Along the way, he faces challenges from corrupt cops, ruthless drug dealers, and his own conscience. In this article, we will give you an overview of the movie, its plot, its characters, its themes, and its reception. We will also share some facts and trivia about the movie, as well as some memorable quotes. Finally, we will tell you how you can watch the movie online or offline.
Introduction
What is the movie about?
Gangster's Paradise: Jerusalema is a South African crime film that was released in 2008. It is loosely based on actual events that took place in the Hillbrow section of Johannesburg in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The movie follows the life of Lucky Kunene, a young man who dreams of escaping poverty and becoming a successful businessman. However, he soon realizes that the only way to achieve his goals is to enter the world of crime. He starts by stealing cars and hijacking buildings, then moves on to bigger schemes involving drugs and money laundering. He becomes known as "The Hoodlum of Hillbrow", a Robin Hood figure who provides cheap housing for his tenants while defying the law and his enemies. However, his rise to power comes at a price, as he loses his friends, his love, and his morals along the way.
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Who are the main characters and actors?
The movie features a talented cast of South African actors who bring their characters to life. Here are some of the main characters and actors in Gangster's Paradise: Jerusalema:
Lucky Kunene (played by Rapulana Seiphemo): The protagonist of the movie, Lucky is a smart and ambitious young man who becomes a notorious crime boss in Johannesburg. He is charismatic, ruthless, and cunning, but also has a soft spot for his family and his community.
Zakes Mbolelo (played by Ronnie Nyakale): Lucky's best friend and partner in crime, Zakes is loyal, brave, and humorous. He supports Lucky's ventures and helps him fight his enemies.
Nazareth (played by Jeffrey Zekele): A former guerrilla fighter who becomes Lucky's mentor in crime, Nazareth is experienced, violent, and unpredictable. He teaches Lucky how to steal cars and rob banks.
Leah Friedlander (played by Shelley Meskin): A white South African woman who becomes Lucky's girlfriend, Leah is kind, compassionate, and adventurous. She works as a journalist and helps Lucky rescue her brother from drug dealers.
Tony Ngu (played by Malusi Skenjana): A Nigerian drug lord who operates in Hillbrow, Tony is Lucky's main rival and nemesis. He is greedy, ruthless, and powerful. He tries to kill Lucky and take over his buildings.
Joshua Weber (played by Robert Hobbs): A corrupt police officer who works for Tony, Joshua is dishonest, cruel, and racist. He harasses and extorts Lucky and his tenants.
What are the main themes and messages?
Gangster's Paradise: Jerusalema explores various themes and messages that relate to the social and political situation of South Africa after the end of apartheid. Some of the main themes and messages are:
The struggle for survival and success in a harsh and unequal society.
The corruption and violence that plague the law enforcement and justice system.
The moral ambiguity and complexity of the characters and their actions.
The influence of culture, religion, and identity on the characters and their choices.
The consequences of greed, ambition, and betrayal on the characters and their relationships.
The hope and resilience of the people who live in poverty and oppression.
Plot summary
The rise of Lucky Kunene
The movie begins in 1994, when Lucky Kunene is a teenager living in Soweto, a poor township near Johannesburg. He and his friend Zakes are involved in petty crimes, such as stealing cars and selling them to Nazareth, a former freedom fighter who now runs a chop shop. Lucky wants to save enough money to go to college and study law, but he faces many obstacles, such as his alcoholic father, his sick mother, and his lack of opportunities. He also has a crush on a girl named Nomsa, who is dating a rich boy named Thabo.
One day, Lucky gets a scholarship to study at the University of Cape Town. He is excited to leave Soweto and pursue his dreams, but he soon realizes that he does not fit in with the other students, who are mostly white and wealthy. He also faces racism and discrimination from some of the professors and staff. He becomes friends with Leah Friedlander, a white journalist who is interested in his story. She introduces him to her brother David, who is a drug addict and owes money to Tony Ngu, a Nigerian drug lord who operates in Hillbrow, a notorious neighborhood in Johannesburg.
Lucky decides to help David by stealing Tony's drugs and selling them to Nazareth. He recruits Zakes, who has also moved to Cape Town, and they pull off the heist successfully. However, they also attract the attention of Tony and his men, who track them down and try to kill them. Lucky and Zakes manage to escape with the help of Leah, who drives them to Johannesburg. There, they decide to stay with Nazareth, who offers them a new opportunity: hijacking buildings in Hillbrow.
The fall of Lucky Kunene
Lucky and Zakes join Nazareth's crew of hijackers, who take over abandoned or poorly managed buildings in Hillbrow and rent them out to low-income tenants. They use fake documents, bribes, intimidation, and violence to evict the previous owners or managers and claim ownership of the buildings. They also provide security, water, electricity, and sanitation for their tenants, who pay them a small fee. Lucky becomes the leader of the crew, using his intelligence and charisma to negotiate with the authorities, the landlords, the gangs, and the media. He also reconnects with Nomsa, who has moved to Hillbrow as well. He dumps Leah for Nomsa, breaking her heart.
Lucky's empire grows rapidly, as he acquires more buildings and more tenants. He also expands his business into other areas, such as money laundering, drug trafficking, and arms dealing. He becomes rich and powerful, and earns the respect and admiration of his tenants, who see him as a hero and a protector. He also attracts the attention of the media, who dub him "The Hoodlum of Hillbrow". He enjoys his fame and fortune, but he also makes many enemies, such as Tony Ngu, who wants revenge for the drug heist; Joshua Weber, a corrupt cop who works for Tony and tries to extort Lucky and his tenants; and the original owners and managers of the buildings, who want to reclaim their properties.
Lucky's downfall begins when he makes a deal with a Chinese businessman named Mr. Liu, who offers him a large sum of money to launder through his buildings. Lucky agrees, but he does not know that Mr. Liu is actually an undercover agent working for the Scorpions, an elite anti-corruption unit. Mr. Liu secretly records Lucky's transactions and gathers evidence against him. He also tips off Tony and Joshua about Lucky's whereabouts, hoping to create a conflict that will expose Lucky's crimes.
Meanwhile, Lucky's personal life also falls apart. He cheats on Nomsa with another woman, who turns out to be Tony's girlfriend. Tony finds out and kidnaps Nomsa, torturing her and forcing her to reveal Lucky's secrets. He also kills Zakes, who tries to rescue Nomsa. Lucky is devastated by the loss of his friend and lover, and realizes that he has gone too far. He decides to quit the crime business and start a new life with Leah, who still loves him despite his betrayal.
The final showdown
Lucky arranges a meeting with Mr. Liu to finalize their deal and collect his money. However, he is ambushed by Tony and Joshua, who have followed Mr. Liu. A shootout ensues, in which Mr. Liu is killed and Lucky is wounded. Lucky manages to escape with the money, but he is chased by Tony and Joshua through the streets of Hillbrow. He reaches one of his buildings, where he is greeted by his tenants, who cheer for him and block the entrance from his pursuers.
Lucky climbs to the roof of the building, where he sees a helicopter waiting for him. It is Leah, who has arranged for his escape. She tells him to jump on board, but he hesitates. He looks at the money in his hands, then at the people below him. He realizes that he cannot leave them behind, as they are his family and his responsibility. He throws the money into the air, creating a rain of cash that falls on his tenants. They rejoice and scramble for the money, while Tony and Joshua watch in disbelief.
Lucky smiles and waves at Leah, thanking her for her help. He tells her that he loves her, but he cannot go with her. He says that this is his home, his paradise, his Jerusalema. He then turns around and faces Tony and Joshua, who have reached the roof. He draws his gun and shoots at them, starting a final confrontation.
The movie ends with a freeze-frame of Lucky firing his gun, leaving his fate ambiguous.
Movie review
What are the strengths and weaknesses of the movie?
Gangster's Paradise: Jerusalema is a well-made and well-acted movie that offers a realistic and compelling portrayal of the South African crime scene. The movie has many strengths, such as:
The cinematography and editing, which create a fast-paced and dynamic visual style that matches the tone and mood of the story.
The soundtrack and score, which feature a mix of South African hip-hop, reggae, and gospel songs that reflect the diversity and vibrancy of the South African culture.
The script and dialogue, which are witty, sharp, and authentic, using a mix of English, Afrikaans, Zulu, and other languages spoken in South Africa.
The cast and performances, which are superb and convincing, especially Rapulana Seiphemo as Lucky Kunene, who delivers a complex and charismatic portrayal of the anti-hero.
The themes and messages, which are relevant and thought-provoking, raising questions about morality, justice, identity, and society in post-apartheid South Africa.
The movie also has some weaknesses, such as:
The length and pace, which are sometimes too long and slow, especially in the first half of the movie, which could have been trimmed or edited more tightly.
The violence and language, which are sometimes too graphic and explicit, making the movie unsuitable for younger or sensitive viewers.
The ending, which is ambiguous and open-ended, leaving some viewers unsatisfied or confused about the fate of the main character.
How does the movie compare to other crime films?
Gangster's Paradise: Jerusalema is often compared to other crime films, especially those from Hollywood. Some of the movies that have been mentioned as influences or similarities are:
Scarface (1983): A classic crime film directed by Brian De Palma and starring Al Pacino as Tony Montana, a Cuban immigrant who becomes a powerful drug lord in Miami. The movie is famous for its iconic scenes, lines, and music. It also explores themes such as greed, ambition, violence, and corruption.
City of God (2002): A Brazilian crime film directed by Fernando Meirelles and Katia Lund and based on a novel by Paulo Lins. The movie tells the story of two boys who grow up in a violent slum in Rio de Janeiro. One becomes a photographer, while the other becomes a drug dealer. The movie is praised for its realism, style, and social commentary.
Tsotsi (2005): A South African crime film directed by Gavin Hood and based on a novel by Athol Fugard. The movie follows the life of Tsotsi, a young gangster who lives in a shantytown near Johannesburg. He accidentally kidnaps a baby after shooting his mother during a carjacking. The movie won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 2006.
Gangster's Paradise: Jerusalema shares some elements with these movies, such as the rise and fall of a criminal protagonist, the depiction of poverty and violence in urban settings, the use of music and culture to enhance the mood and atmosphere, and the exploration of themes such as morality, identity, and society. However, the movie also has its own unique features, such as the setting and context of post-apartheid South Africa, the perspective and voice of the main character, and the blend of humor and drama in the story. The movie is not a copy or a rip-off of other crime films, but rather a homage and a contribution to the genre.
What is the cultural and social impact of the movie?
Gangster's Paradise: Jerusalema is not only a crime film, but also a cultural and social phenomenon. The movie has had a significant impact on the South African society and beyond, such as:
The movie has been praised for its realistic and honest portrayal of the South African reality, especially the challenges and opportunities faced by the black population after the end of apartheid. The movie has also been criticized for its glorification and justification of crime and violence, especially by the white population who feel threatened or offended by the movie's message.
The movie has inspired many young South Africans to pursue their dreams and goals, regardless of their background or circumstances. The movie has also warned many young South Africans about the dangers and consequences of choosing the wrong path, regardless of their motives or intentions.
The movie has sparked a debate and a dialogue about the state and the future of South Africa, especially in terms of crime, corruption, justice, development, and democracy. The movie has also raised awareness and interest about the South African culture, history, and politics among local and international audiences.
Movie facts and trivia
How was the movie made and distributed?
Gangster's Paradise: Jerusalema was written and directed by Ralph Ziman, a South African filmmaker who was born in Johannesburg and moved to Los Angeles in 1991. He based the movie on his own experiences and observations of growing up in South Africa during and after apartheid. He also did extensive research on the real-life events and characters that inspired the movie, such as Lucky Kunene, who was a real person who hijacked buildings in Hillbrow in the late 1990s.
The movie was shot on location in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Soweto, and Hillbrow. The movie had a budget of about $2 million, which was considered low for a feature film. The movie was financed by various sources, such as private investors, government grants, tax rebates, and pre-sales. The movie was produced by Ziman's own company, Muti Films, along with Distant Horizon and Videovision Entertainment.
The movie was released in South Africa on June 11, 2008. It was also screened at various international film festivals, such as Toronto International Film Festival, How was the movie made and distributed?
Gangster's Paradise: Jerusalema was written and directed by Ralph Ziman, a South African filmmaker who was born in Johannesburg and moved to Los Angeles in 1991. He based the movie on his own experiences and observations of growing up in South Africa during and after apartheid. He also did extensive research on the real-life events and characters that inspired the movie, such as Lucky Kunene, who was a real person who hijacked buildings in Hillbrow in the late 1990s.
The movie was shot on location in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Soweto, and Hillbrow. The movie had a budget of about $2 million, which was considered low for a feature film. The movie was financed by various sources, such as private investors, government grants, tax rebates, and pre-sales. The movie was produced by Ziman's own company, Muti Films, along with Distant Horizon and Videovision Entertainment.
The movie was released in South Africa on June 11, 2008. It was also screened at various international film festivals, such as Toronto International Film Festival, Zurich Film Festival, Durban International Film Festival, Ouagadougou Panafrican Film and Television Festival, and Zanzibar International Film Festival. The movie was submitted to the Academy Awards to qualify as a nominee for Best Foreign Language Film, but it did not make the shortlist. The movie was distributed by United International Pictures in South Africa and by Anchor Bay Entertainment in the United States.
What are some interesting facts and anecdotes about the movie?
Gangster's Paradise: Jerusalema has many interesting facts and anecdotes that add to its appeal and authenticity. Here are some of them:
The title of the movie is a reference to the song Gangsta's Paradise by Coolio, which features the chorus "Been spending most their lives living in the gangsta's paradise". The song was a hit in 1995, the same year that Lucky Kunene starts his crime career in the movie. The song also samples Pastime Paradise by Stevie Wonder, which features the lyrics "Keep spending most our lives living in a pastime paradise". The song is about the dangers of living in ignorance and nostalgia, which could also apply to Lucky Kunene's situation.
The subtitle of the movie, Jerusalema, is a Zulu word that means "Jerusalem". It is also the name of a traditional hymn that is sung by many South Africans, especially during funerals. The hymn is about longing for the heavenly city of Jerusalem, where there is peace and joy. The hymn is also used as a metaphor for freedom and justice in South Africa, especially during the apartheid era. The hymn is featured several times in the movie, such as when Lucky Kunene throws money from the rooftop of his building, creating a rain of cash that falls on his tenants. The scene is accompanied by a rendition of Jerusalema by Mandoza, a popular South African kwaito artist who also plays Nazareth in the movie.
The movie features many real-life locations and events that are relevant to the South African history and culture. For example, the movie shows the Hector Pieterson Memorial Museum in Soweto, which commemorates the 1976 Soweto uprising, a student protest against apartheid that turned violent and resulted in many deaths. The museum is named after Hector Pieterson, a 13-year-old boy who was one of the first victims of the uprising. His death was captured by a famous photograph that showed him being carried by another student while his sister ran alongside them. The photograph became a symbol of the anti-apartheid movement. The museum is also where Lucky Kunene meets Leah Friedlander for the first time in the movie.
The movie also features many cameo appearances by famous South African personalities who are related to the crime or entertainment scene. For example, Israel Matseke-Zulu, who plays Israel's Song in the movie, is a former gangster who spent 15 years in prison for murder. He became an actor after his release and starred in several movies and TV shows. He also wrote and performed his own song for the movie's soundtrack. Another example is Arthur Mafokate, who plays himself in the movie. He is a famous South African kwaito musician and producer who is known as "the King of Kwaito". He also owns his own record label and has mentored many successful artists.
What are some memorable quotes from the movie?
Gangster's Paradise: Jerusalema has many memorable quotes that capture the essence and the humor of the movie. Here are some of them:
"Crime does pay. It pays very well." - Lucky Kunene
"You can't hijack a building. It's not a car." - Leah Friedlander
"You know what they say about Hillbrow. If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere." - Nazareth
"You see, in this world, there are two kinds of people: those who have money and those who don't. And those who don't, they work for those who do." - Tony Ngu
"I'm not a gangster. I'm a businessman." - Lucky Kunene
"This is my home, my paradise, my Jerusalema." - Lucky Kunene
Conclusion
What is the main takeaway from the movie?
Gangster's Paradise: Jerusalema is a movie that tells a captivating and realistic story of a young man who tries to achieve his dreams in a harsh and corrupt society. The movie shows the challenges and opportunities that face the South African people after the end of apartheid, as well as the moral dilemmas and consequences that come with choosing a life of crime. The movie also celebrates the South African culture and spirit, as well as the hope and resilience of the people who live in poverty and oppression.
Who should watch the movie and why?
Gangster's Paradise: Jerusalema is a movie that appeals to a wide range of audiences, especially those who enjoy crime films, drama films, or foreign films. The movie is suitable for adults and mature teenagers, as it contains violence, language, and nudity. The movie is also recommended for anyone who wants to learn more about the South African history, culture, and society, or who wants to experience a different perspective and voice from the usual Hollywood fare.
How to watch the movie online or offline?
Gangster's Paradise: Jerusalema is available to watch online or offline in various ways. Here are some of them:
You can stream or download the movie from various online platforms, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Google Play, or iTunes. You may need to pay a fee or subscribe to access some of these platforms.
You can buy or rent the DVD or Blu-ray of the movie from various online or physical stores, such as Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, or Target. You may need to have a DVD or Blu-ray player to watch the movie.
You can watch the movie on TV if it is airing on any of the channels that you have access to. You may need to check the TV guide or schedule to find out when and where the movie is playing.
I hope you enjoyed this article about Gangster's Paradise: Jerusalema. If you have any questions or comments about the movie or the article, please feel free to share them below. Thank you for reading!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gangster's Paradise: Jerusalema based on a true story?
Gangster's Paradise: Jerusalema is loosely based on actual events and characters that took place in South Africa in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The main character of Lucky Kunene was inspired by a real person who hijacked buildings in Hillbrow and became known as "The Hoodlum of Hillbrow". However, the movie is not a documentary or a biography, but rather a fictionalized and dramatized version of the story.
What is the meaning of Jerusalema?
Jerusalema is a Zulu word that means "Jerusalem". It is also the name of a traditional hymn that is sung by many South Africans, especially during funerals. The hymn is about longing for the heavenly city of Jerusalem, where there is peace and joy. The hymn is also used as a metaphor for freedom and justice in South Africa, especially during the apartheid era. The hymn is featured several times in the movie, such as when Lucky Kunene throws money from the rooftop of his building, creating a rain of cash that falls on his tenants. The scene is accompanied by a rendition of Jerusalema by Mandoza, a popular South African kwaito artist who also plays Nazareth in the movie.
What is the rating and genre of Gangster's Paradise: Jerusalema?
Gangster's Paradise: Jerusalema is rated R for violence, language, nudity, and drug use. The movie belongs to the crime drama genre, which is a type of film that focuses on the lives and activities of criminals and their adversaries. Crime drama films often deal with themes such as morality, justice, corruption, violence, and redemption.
Who is the director and writer of Gangster's Paradise: Jerusalema?
Gangster's Paradise: Jerusalema was written and directed by Ralph Ziman, a South African filmmaker who was born in Johannesburg and moved to Los Angeles in 1991. He has also directed and written other films, such as The Zookeeper (2001), Hearts and Minds (2002), Kite (2014), and Vaya (2016).
What are some other movies like Gangster's Paradise: Jerusalema?
If you liked Gangster's Paradise: Jerusalema, you might also like some of these movies:
American Gangster (2007): A biographical crime film directed by Ridley Scott and starring Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe. The movie tells the story of Frank Lucas, a heroin kingpin who operated in Harlem in the 1960s and 1970s.
Catch Me If You Can (2002): A biographical crime comedy-drama film directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks. The movie tells the story of Frank Abagnale Jr., a con artist who impersonated various professions and forged millions of dollars in checks in the 1960s.
The Departed (2006): A crime thriller film directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, and Mark Wahlberg. The movie tells the story of two undercover agents who infiltrate a Boston crime syndicate and a police unit respectively.
The Godfather (1972): A crime drama film directed by Francis Ford Coppola and starring Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, and Robert Duvall. The movie tells the story of the Corleone family, a powerful Italian-American mafia dynasty.
The Wolf of Wall Street (2013): A biographical black comedy crime film directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill, Margot Robbie, and Matthew McConaughey. The movie tells the story of Jordan Belfort, a stockbroker who engaged in fraud and corruption in the 1980s and 1990s.
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